Family planning KAP survey in Gaza

This study explores the reproductive attitudes, contraceptive use, demand f or family planning and related topics of a representative sample of the fem ale population of reproductive age resident in a Refugee Camp in the Gaza S trip. A cluster sample of 841 resident women of reproductive age (15-49 years) wa s interviewed in their homes. Univariate and multivariate statistical analy ses were performed using BMDP software. 98% of the interviewees favour family planning and 88% plan to use a contra ceptive in the future. However, 52% of the women at risk do not use any con traception because of their husband's opposition, fear of side effects or l ack of knowledge. The risk of having seven or more children is positively a ssociated with a woman's low educational level and husband's desire for mor e than seven children. Despite favourable attitudes regarding family planning, there is ignorance and the prevalence of contraception use is low. There is a gap between fert ility preference and achievement. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.